The ROCK! Romans 9:32

Good morning everyone. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. TOO BLESSED TO BE STRESSED!

This verse starts with "why not?", stemming from the verse above saying the people of Israel tried hard to get right with God by keeping the law but never succeeded.

Romans 9:32 "Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path."

The Jews had a worthy goal which was to honor God. But they tried to achieve it the wrong way; by rigid and painstaking obedience to the law. Because of this, some of them became more dedicated to the law than to God.

They thought that if they kept the law, God would have to accept them as his people. But God cannot be controlled. The Jews did not see that their Scriptures, the Old Testament, taught that salvation depended on faith, not on human effort.

The "great rock" they stumbled over was Jesus. The Jews did not believe in him because he didn't meet THEIR EXPECTATION for the Messiah. Some people still stumble over Christ because salvation by faith doesn't make sense to them. They think they must earn their way to God. Or, maybe God will simply overlook their sins.

Others stumble over Christ because he values are the opposite of the world's. He asks for humility, and many are unwilling to humble themselves before him. He requires obedience, and many refuse to put their wills at his disposal. Have you stumbled over this rock, or have you chosen to build your life on it? The choice is yours. Love you all.

In Christ's Love and Grace

Johnny